Jaidee Invitational to make its debut

Written by Writer on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

Jaidee Invitational to make its debut

KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT

The Jaidee Invitational presented by Raimon Land golf tournament will make its debut on the Asian Tour next year and big names are being approached to join the US$ 500,000 event.

The inaugural tournament to take place from April 30 to May 3 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course is named after Thongchai Jaidee, one of Thailand’s most successful golfers.

It is the first time on Asian Tour where the name of a player is part of the tournament’s brand.

“I am very proud to be part of the tournament,” said Thongchai who just turned 40 on last Saturday.

“I hope that having my name on the tournament will motivate more young Thai youngsters to play golf.”

The tournament will feature 116 leading Asian Tour professional players, 20 Thai players, two Asian Tour invites and six Sponsor invites.

Raimon Land Sale and Marketing director Henri Young said that the companies are working with Thongchai on which players will be invited.

“As a host, we can invite six players,” said the director, adding that he has a lot of stars in mind including Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas and Ian Poulter.

“We have to make sure we bring golfers who would attract a good crowd.”

Thongchai said that it was too early to say who would be invited but that he had some players in mind.

Raimon Land Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Cornick, said the partnership between Thongchai and Raimon Land was an effort to bring together Thailand’s top golfer and the country’s most prestigious property developer.

“His expertise will help Raimon Land develop strategies to advance golf tourism in Thailand, which in turn will raise the profile of the developer’s luxury properties among golfers locally and overseas.” “The Jaidee Invitational presented by Raimon Land” is among six Asian Tour events to take place in Thailand next year.

It is also the second big golf event to take place Pattaya. The 2009 Honda LPGA Thailand will take place from February 26-March 1.

Bangkok Post
Tuesday November 11, 2008